Blackberry simple syrup

Ingredients

• 4 oz blackberries ((4oz is a little under 1 cup))
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. 1

   Wash the blackberries well to ensure they are clean. Be sure to use ripe berries and remove any that are underripe or going bad.

2. 2

   Place the water, sugar and blackberries in a small pan and place over a medium-low heat, uncovered.

3. 3

   Stir the mixture gently as you bring it to a simmer to ensure all the sugar dissolves. As it warms, the blackberries will start to go lighter in color - this is fine. Mash the berries to break them up and release the juices. Once it comes to a simmer, reduce the heat and simmer for around 3 - 5 minutes more - the mixture will start to look a little darker in color - then remove from heat. Set aside and leave the berries in the syrup to infuse it further as it cools.

4. 4

   Pour the syrup through a strainer/sieve to hold back all of the fruit solids and seeds. Use a fine strainer as some of the seeds can be small and you don't want them sneaking through. Store the syrup in a sealed bottle/jar in the fridge until needed.